Regional

NCSO: 1-year-old ingests meth in Callahan, 4 arrested

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Four adults were arrested after a one-year-old ingested methamphetamine inside a Callahan home last week, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said. Hayden Simmons, Damien Windham, Erica Foley and Judith Addison were each charged with child neglect causing great bodily harm.
Nassau County School District board members and Superintendent Kathy Burns, left, listen to public comment at a workshop Monday night. Nick Blank/News-Leader

Nassau County School District board members and Superintendent Kathy Burns, left, listen to public comment at a workshop Monday night. Nick Blank/News-Leader

School board mulls 1 mill continuation

Nick Blank
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
With Nassau County School District’s one-mill increase set to expire, district board members reviewed the one-mill’s benefits, timeline and a possible reduction, and heard pleas from employees to keep the one-mill in place.
The Fernandina Beach water tower and Water Treatment Plant on Monday located at Atlantic Avenue and 11th Street. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Fernandina Beach water tower and Water Treatment Plant on Monday located at Atlantic Avenue and 11th Street. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Locals face 'severe water shortage'

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
A concern of moderate water shortage has now been upgraded to a severe water shortage in Nassau and surrounding counties. A Phase Two Water Shortage has been declared indicating a “severe water shortage.
County commissioners and staff during the Winter Strategic Planning Session on Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

County commissioners and staff during the Winter Strategic Planning Session on Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

County hosts Winter Strategic Planning Session

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Last week, Nassau County commissioners, staff, consultants and members of the public filled the Bean Center at the FSCJ Betty P Cook Nassau Center.On Thursday and Friday, Nassau County held the Winter Strategic Planning Session to discuss plans for the county’s future.
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper and Director of Nassau County Animal Services Steve MacKinnon

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper and Director of Nassau County Animal Services Steve MacKinnon

Report: Bryceville man accused of sexual activity with dog

News Staff
Monday, March 2, 2026
A 68-year-old Bryceville man has been accused of sexually abusing his dog, according to the Nassau County Sheriffs Office.James Piner was arrested Thursday on a charge of sexual activities involving animals.
An aerial view of Westside Regional Park construction. Submitted

An aerial view of Westside Regional Park construction. Submitted

Nassau County’s Westside Regional Park takes shape

Ashley Chandler
Friday, February 27, 2026
New aerial photographs of the construction progress of Westside Regional Park show the highly-anticipated park is taking form. Jay Robertson, Parks & Recreation director for Nassau County, said phase one of the project is “on schedule and in line for an early summer opening.
County Manager Taco Pope presents at the Winter Strategic Planning Session on Thursday. Nick Blank/News-Leader

County Manager Taco Pope presents at the Winter Strategic Planning Session on Thursday. Nick Blank/News-Leader

County: CFO gave ‘incomplete review’

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Nassau County has released its budget analysis in response to Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia’s initial report that Nassau County’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget included more than $50 million of wasteful spending.
Members of the Nassau County Boys and Girls Club Choir perform for attendees of their 19th annual gala at the Ritz Carlton on Saturday.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Members of the Nassau County Boys and Girls Club Choir perform for attendees of their 19th annual gala at the Ritz Carlton on Saturday.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Moonlight in Paris

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, February 26, 2026
The Nassau County chapter of the Boys and Girls Club raised significant funds at its 19th annual gala on Saturday. The event “Moonlight in Paris” was held at the Ritz Carlton Resort on Amelia Island and marks one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.
Commissioner John Martin presents a proclamation designating Thursday as Human Trafficking Awareness and Identification Day in Nassau County to Dea Sims, Chair of the Jacksonville Women’s Network Speaker’s Forum, and Cheryl Munn, communications committee of the Jacksonville Women’s Network, at Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Commissioner John Martin presents a proclamation designating Thursday as Human Trafficking Awareness and Identification Day in Nassau County to Dea Sims, Chair of the Jacksonville Women’s Network Speaker’s Forum, and Cheryl Munn, communications committee of the Jacksonville Women’s Network, at Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Nassau County raises awareness of human trafficking

News Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Nassau County declared Thursday as Human Trafficking Awareness and Identification Day in the county.